DELHI: Among the globe’s most biggest democratic exercises lies India’s mammoth electoral spectacle, boasting the world’s largest democratic electorate. With a populace surpassing 1.4 billion, nearly 970 million voters will partake in this pivotal event. At its core, the electoral battleground features Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a staunch Hindu nationalist, facing off against a broad coalition of opposition forces striving to bridge the gap.
At 73, Modi, who ascended to power in 2014 on the promise of economic progress and as an anti-corruption crusader, has seamlessly intertwined religion with politics, garnering substantial backing from India’s predominantly Hindu populace.
While Modi’s tenure has witnessed India’s ascent as a global force, it’s also been marred by mounting joblessness, sectarian violence targeting minorities, notably Muslims, and a dwindling space for dissent and unfettered journalism.
How do Lok Sabha elections work?
The six-week-long electoral saga kicks off on April 19, with results slated for June 4. Spanning over 10% of the world’s population, voters will elect 543 representatives for the lower house of Parliament, each serving a five-year tenure. The polling process unfolds in seven phases across myriad polling stations, ensuring security and logistical efficiency.
Utilizing a first-past-the-post multiparty system, victory hinges on securing a majority, with 272 seats being the threshold.
While the United States and other nations employ paper ballots, India relies on electronic voting machines.
Who vies for power?
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party squares off against Rahul Gandhi’s Indian National Congress, representing the two primary factions in Parliament. Other regional players coalesce under the opposition banner.
Uniting under the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) umbrella, opposition parties strive to thwart Modi’s bid for a third consecutive triumph. Despite fielding a single candidate in most constituencies, internal discord persists, delaying the selection of a prime ministerial contender.
Forecasts indicate Modi enjoys a comfortable lead, buoyed by recent initiatives such as the inauguration of a Hindu temple in Ayodhya. A potential victory would solidify his stature as one of India’s foremost leaders, following the resounding triumph in 2019.
What are the pivotal issues?
Long revered for its democratic ethos, India faces a litmus test of its democratic values amidst Modi’s reign, with concerns over a gradual erosion of democratic institutions. Critics decry a tilt towards a Hindu-centric agenda, imperiling the country’s secular fabric.
Under Modi’s stewardship, media autonomy has waned, dissent stifled, and judicial independence questioned. Centralization of power strains federalism, while corruption allegations ensnare opposition figures.
Economic disparities persist despite India’s meteoric growth, highlighting the challenge of job creation and social welfare. The UN’s latest report underscores India’s struggle with income inequality despite its economic prowess.
